I'm still looking for tires. There are not many choices for a 265/40/17 and many for the 255/40/17 so...

Does anyone run these tire sizes on a 17x9.5 wheels? I was just wondering if it will look stretched and awkward. I really don't like the 275's on all four corners. It's too wide a tire for the front imo, I had 4 GY Eagle F1's GS-D3 on all four and I found my fronts rubbed the inner fenderwell when making sharp turns, and I hated the way they always find the grooves on streets, it's annoying. I've debated about running 255's up front and 275's in the back might help a little, but I just need some input. Thanks

I already know what you'll all say, just keep the 275/40/17's blah blah

 

Both those tires will fit a 9.5" wide wheel correctly, per the recommendations of most tire manufactureres. A 9.5" wide wheel as actually about 10.5" (267mm), so you can see that the 255 is going to be slightly narrower than the wheel, and the 265 about the same width.

Problem is both those tire sizes are going to be smaller in diameter than stock. The 255/40 is only 25.0" compared to the stock 25.7" (245/50-16) or 26.1" (235/55-16) tires. Requires speedo correction, increase the gap between the tire and the fenders. The 265's aren't a whole lot better at 25.3" or 25.4" but at least they are closer. Did you consider a 255/45-17 (26.0")?

 

I looked at the stickied faq about the diameter problems with those tires, I did also look at the 255/45/17's as well, I know not a whole lot of people run 255's or 265's, and opt for the 275's. I just see a lot more benefit in price and also to escape the two problems I've ran into in the past with the 275's. I just don't understand why there are very few good tire options for the 255/45/17, and a plethora of really good tires for the 255/40/17. It's astonishing....Do you personally think a 255/45/17 would look that awkward as far as fender-tire gap?

I need some tires....eek
I'm seeing on discount tire Nitto NT 555's 255/45/17's for $136 a tire, but Nitto's are smaller than they suggest right? Perhaps 275's that are narrower than the rest will correct my rubbing in front. I don't know much about Nitto's, nor have I ever had any before. I just need good sticky affordable tires, I know you gotta pay to play, but try telling that to my wife lol. Car is just a weekend cruiser, never driven in snow or rain so my needs are rather simple.

I appreciate your expertise Injuneer, I look forward to any suggestions you may have.